Flick calls Rodri 'perfect' fit for Barcelona's style of play
Hansi Flick described Rodri as the perfect signing for Barcelona after the midfielder made his debut in the club's 2-0 La Liga win over Athletic Club at Camp Nou on Thursday.
"Everyone is happy that Rodri is playing with us. He's the perfect player for us, for our style," Flick said at his post match press conference.
Rodri, who joined from Manchester City in a €60 million deal, received a warm ovation from the home crowd as he was introduced shortly after the hour mark, replacing Raphinha in what marked his first appearance since completing the move.
The Spain international had missed Barcelona's opening 5-0 win over Elche after undergoing minor back surgery, only beginning training with his new teammates on Monday before earning a place in the matchday squad against Athletic Club.
"Very happy to make my debut. Happy with the win. Two for two," Rodri told DAZN afterwards. "It's important to get into a rhythm and adapt to this great team. First few minutes and good feeling."
"It's been a long summer, longer than usual. I need to get back into the swing of things quickly. This is where I wanted to be, and I'm happy with how things have turned out. Now it's time to get to work," he added.
Rodri also praised teenage teammate Lamine Yamal for bouncing back from a difficult patch of form during the match. "Lamine was coming off a rough patch, but today he bounced back and showed his best form. We need that from him, that work ethic and consistency, because the talent is there and the goals will come," he said.
Flick was equally pleased with Marc Bernal, who started alongside Pedri in midfield before making way for Rodri. "Bernal played well during the minutes he was on the pitch, so I am happy. Pedri, Bernal, they're doing fantastic, too," the German coach said.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored either side of half time to seal the win, moving Barcelona to six points from their opening two league matches. Much of the pre match discussion had centred on Raphinha's role through the middle of the pitch, deployed once again in the absence of a recognised striker.
Asked whether the Brazilian could emerge as Barcelona's long term option at number nine, Flick declined to draw firm conclusions from a single performance. "We don't know. For this match, yes. For me, it's important that when we have Raphinha or any other number nine, we can stick to our game plan, because of his pressing, his movement, his runs off the ball, the goal," he said.